Twelve-Month Outcome Of Single-Step Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy For Moderate Hyperopia And Hyperopic Astigmatism

to evaluate the 12-month visual and refractive outcomes of single-step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy for moderate hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism.

A prospective interventional study / Private practice.

Thirty six eyes of 18 patients with moderate hyperopia or hyperopic astigmatism with a cycloplegic refractive spherical equivalent (RSE) between +2 and +5 diopters (D) underwent bilateral single-step transepithelial StreamLight PRK using EX-500 excimer laser (WaveLight®; Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX, USA). The main outcome measures were recorded at 6 and 12 months postoperatively and included assessment of distance and near visual acuity, cycloplegic RSE, topographic changes and post-PRK haze grading.

Patients had a mean age of 37 ± 4.7 years with a mean preoperative cycloplegic RSE of + 3.29±0.64 D. At the end of the follow up period, thirty eyes (83.3%) achieved uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/25 or better and none of  the included eyes lost any lines of the preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA). Unaided near visual acuity equivalent to 20/25 or better at 40 cm was achieved in 27 eyes (75%). The mean postoperative cycloplegic RSE was 0.37 ±0.1 and 0.45 ±0.1 at 6 and 12 months respectively with insignificant refractive regression or astigmatism induction. Postoperative topographic stability was observed throughout different follow up visits and post-PRK haze scores were minimal.

Single-step transepithelial PRK achieved acceptable visual and refractive outcomes in patients with moderate hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism.